Two Arrested, Third Person Sought In Connection With Farm Equipment Thefts In Santa Barbara County

Posted on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 1:07pm

Two men have been arrested, and a third is being sought in connection with a string of vehicle, and equipment thefts from farms in northern Santa Barbara County. Some $70,000 worth of tools, equipment, and vehicles were stolen from at least four farms.

The investigation started on Christmas Eve, when a theft was report from a farm just west of Santa Maria, with burglars stealing tools, and equipment. The following day, another nearby farm was targeted. Then, on December 26th, an employee headed to work at the farm which had been hit the day before disrupted a third burglary. The thieves fled, and deputies recovered two vehicles which had been taken from area farms, filled with stolen items.

The investigation led to the arrests of Travis Grant, and Ernest Johnson of Santa Maria. Still being sought is a third man, identified as Shaun Axe of Santa Maria.